USB WiFi 6E dongle

Nighthawk A8000. © Netgear.

Netgear’s new Nighthawk A8000 is a SB 3.x Type-A adapter that lets users easily add 6GHz wireless connectivity to a PC that’s not set up for it. Many PCs are ready for the WiFi 6 standard (5GHz), but few allow for the higher-bandwidth WiFi 6E. If you’ve already upgraded your router, the Nighthawk will connect your current devices to a dedicated 6GHz lane. Though, as with the WiFi 5GHz, the transfer rate doesn’t exceed 1,200Mbps, it’s more likely to actually reach this rate on the new frequency. The device automatically connects the computer to the fastest available WiFi, whether 2.4GHz, 5GHz or 6GHz, as long as it runs Windows 10 or 11. You can preorder the 90 USD adapter on the Netgear site, with deliveries starting October 4. The only hurdle to adopting WiFi 6E is the cost of compatible routers, which is still high but dropping fast.

⇨ The Verge, Umar Shakir, “Netgear’s new Nighthawk USB dongle can add 6GHz Wi-Fi to your PC for $89.99.”

2022-09-21